Critics seem to agree. The most recent film in the fledgling film franchise is currently enjoying a 92 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences enjoying it nearly as much at 89 percent. Compare that to DC's declining critical scores since "Man of Steel" debuted to just a 55 percent rating, followed by "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (27 percent), and the much-hyped "Suicide Squad" (26 percent).

Viewers have been somewhat kinder, but it's clear that "Wonder Woman" will either go down as an anomaly or the turning point.

"There was a style they were going for, an attempt to be different and look at things from a slightly different perspective, which hasn't necessarily worked," Cavill said. "Yes, it has made money but it has not been a critical success; it hasn't given everyone that sensation which superheroes should give the viewer."

That missing sensation is hope, something Superman is supposed to represent more than any other superhero. In an attempt to differentiate themselves from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DCEU went with a more grounded approach, featuring a duller color palette and dour heroes who never smiled and racked up high body counts. Even Superman killed in this universe.

It was Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman who would bring the light, first in a well-received appearance in "Batman v Superman," and then in her blockbuster outing this past summer. Finally, fans could see that hope, that inspiration that Cavill noted was missing from his own appearances. He shares the hopes of critics and fans that this more optimistic approach will continue into "Justice League," out next month, with Gadot's Wonder Woman now out front and center.

"We can start telling the stories in the way they need to be told," Cavill said. And while he thinks the DCEU got off to a rocky start, Cavill doesn't think that's necessarily going to hurt the franchise down the road, saying, "It is even better to come back from a mistake or stylistic error into the correct vein because it will make it seem that much stronger."

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